Man City Appeals Financial Breaches Verdict

Manchester City have appealed an independent commission’s ruling that found the Premier League club guilty of more than 100 breaches of the competition’s financial rules.

The Premier League leaders confirmed the appeal on Friday, shortly before the deadline set for challenging the commission’s judgment.

No punishment has been announced, but the club could face sanctions ranging from a points deduction and fine to expulsion from the Premier League.

City, who have consistently denied wrongdoing, said the commission’s decision contained significant errors.

“The club’s firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact and is unsafe.

“The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.”

The Premier League said the appeal would be heard privately by an independent appeal board.

“Independent appeal board hearing will remain private and confidential until publication of the outcome is permitted,” the league said in an update.

The English Football Association also commented on the case on Friday, saying the commission’s ruling had wider implications for the sport.

“We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate,” the FA said.

Sponsorship deals

The independent commission found City guilty of more than 100 financial rule breaches covering a period of almost 10 years.

According to the commission, commercial deals involving the club artificially increased its revenues and reduced its costs by more than £900m between 2009 and 2018.

During that period, City won three Premier League titles among other major honours.

The commission also concluded that the club had concealed the true state of its finances and was “significantly in breach of both the Premier League’s and UEFA’s spending limits”.

City are expected to argue in their appeal that some of the sponsorship agreements at the centre of the case were funded by the Abu Dhabi government rather than the club’s owners.

Premier League rules do not prohibit state-owned bodies from sponsoring clubs.

However, the commission found that City had arranged “sham” commercial agreements with several sponsors as part of what it described as a “disguised funding scheme”.

It said the companies involved were required to pay only part of the sponsorship fees, with the remaining amounts funded by City’s owners, Abu Dhabi United Group.

Private investment company ADUG, owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, bought Manchester City in 2008 and has overseen the club’s transformation into one of English football’s dominant teams.

Sheikh Mansour is also Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates.

City sanctions could have wider implications

Downing Street said on Thursday that Manchester City was not “above the rules” following criticism of British Prime Minister Andy Burnham over the case.

“As the prime minister made clear, the initial judgement is serious, and there can’t be any suggestion that anyone is above the rules,” a spokesperson said.

Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester, told the BBC on Wednesday that he did not want City’s Emirati owners to leave the club as a consequence of the case.

Meanwhile, England manager Thomas Tuchel said the financial ruling had been discussed among his players as the national team prepared to face Croatia on Saturday.

“Of course the players talk about it, and City players talk about it, and we talk to them, but only briefly,” Tuchel said.

“They’re ready to go for tomorrow, that’s what they show on the pitch, and that’s what they show in camp, but of course it’s a big topic.”

City could also face further consequences if sanctions are imposed. There has been speculation that the club could be stripped of some titles and face compensation claims from rival clubs.

Etihad Airways, City’s main sponsor, said earlier in the week that it was considering legal action against the Premier League.

“Etihad categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication that suggests the airline has ever been involved in improper commercial arrangements,” an Etihad spokesperson said.